Denise and her blog
Using Natural Remedies Safely in Pregnancy and Childbirth
Herbs, Homeopathy & Rescue Remedy - are the women you care for asking about natural remedies?
I’ve always had a strong interest in natural approaches to pregnancy, birth, and the early postnatal period.
I’m not alone - up to 80–90% of expectant parents in some areas turn to herbal remedies, especially things like raspberry leaf tea for birth prep or ginger for nausea.
However not everything natural is safe. For example, St John’s Wort can interact dangerously with prescribed antidepressants and shouldn’t be used in pregnancy.
That’s why I wrote this book - a kind of A–Z guide to natural remedies. It covers:
✅ Herbal remedies
✅ Homeopathy
✅ Bach flower remedies (yes, including Rescue Remedy)
✅ Traditional approaches from around the world.
It’s a quick reference tool for midwives, birth workers, or anyone who wants to give balanced, evidence-informed advice to the women they support.
Because when they ask - we need to know.
Impact Of Aromatherapy Oils On Midwives
Safety for midwives using aromatherapy in practice.
Let’s talk about your safety when using aromatherapy in practice.
A midwife recently asked me if prolonged exposure to clary sage during a long labour could have triggered unexpected bleeding - despite her having a contraceptive implant.
While we can’t say for certain, it is possible.
Clary sage is powerful. I’ve heard of it causing heavy menstrual bleeding in midwives - and even threatened miscarriage in early pregnancy.
And it’s not the only one to watch:
Lavender, geranium, rose = potential hay fever & asthma triggers
Ylang ylang, clary sage = dizziness & fainting
Citrus oils = skin reactions (especially in those sensitive to citrus)
We’re so focused on supporting women with aromatherapy, but let’s not forget to protect ourselves too. The NMC Code reminds us: care and caution apply to everyone in the room - staff included.
Nausea in Pregnancy
Midwives, let’s talk nausea in pregnancy…
There’s nothing quite like that relentless, queasy feeling - and as someone who battled it for 20 weeks, I really get how miserable it can be.
One simple, effective tool I often recommend? Acupressure wristbands - originally made for travel sickness, but incredibly helpful in pregnancy too.
They work by pressing on a specific acupuncture point (three finger-widths up from the wrist crease).
Pop them on before getting out of bed, and they can make a real difference. And when those waves of nausea hit later in the day, a little extra pressure on the button with your thumb can help ease the symptoms.
Research backs it up - they're low-cost, drug-free, and can be a game-changer for those struggling with nausea (even more than vomiting itself).
Simple, safe, and well worth sharing with your clients.
Feedback
At Expectancy, we pride ourselves on offering training that truly makes a difference to midwives’ practice.
We’re so grateful for the feedback from those who tell us how much they value the depth of knowledge, professionalism, focus on safety and the supportive environment our team brings to every course.
Our aim is simple: to deliver learning that inspires confidence, encourages thoughtful discussion, and helps midwives feel empowered to offer even better care.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of your professional journey - it’s a privilege to support such passionate and dedicated midwives.
Let’s talk about feet
Let’s talk about feet… and how they might just hold the key to supporting pregnancy and birth.
Reflex zone therapy (RZT) on the feet isn’t just a relaxing treatment - it’s a powerful complementary technique grounded in traditional reflexology, but taken a step further.
By working specific zones on the feet, we can help stimulate the body’s own healing responses, support balance in the nervous system, and ease common pregnancy discomforts like nausea, back pain, and anxiety.
At Expectancy, we teach midwives how to use RZT as part of holistic maternity care - whether it’s preparing for labour, supporting emotional wellbeing, or simply helping someone feel more connected to their body.
Because sometimes, the smallest touches can make the biggest difference.
Think clary sage is the best oil to speed up labour?
Think clary sage is the best oil to speed up labour? Think again.
This little bottle might look harmless - and many pregnant women have heard that clary sage can help kickstart labour. And yes, it can stimulate the uterus... but only when used correctly.
As a midwife, you need to know when not to use it just as much as when you can.
✨ Too early? May cause preterm labour – don’t use it before 37 weeks
✨ Too much? It might delay labour instead of getting it started
✨ Used for too long? It could actually cause excessive contractions and fetal distress or eventually stop contractions
Aromatherapy is powerful - but it’s also nuanced. If you’re recommending oils or supporting clients who want to use them, make sure you’ve got the knowledge to do it safely and effectively.
Previous articles
Using Natural Remedies Safely in Pregnancy and Childbirth
Impact Of Aromatherapy Oils On Midwives
Nausea in Pregnancy
Feedback
Let’s talk about feet
Think clary sage is the best oil to speed up labour?
Are You A Procrastinator When It Comes To Revalidation?
Did you know that not all reflexology is the same?
Do You Know The Scope Of Your Role As A Midwife?
Did you know?
